Las Vegas to Hoover Dam Day Trip
History (and jaw-dropping vistas) awaits on your next Las Vegas vacation. This popular day trip starts on The Strip and ends at Hoover Dam, the behemoth marvel of engineering that straddles the Colorado River. In addition to its easy access, Hoover Dam offers a variety of tours and hands-on experiences that allow visitors a chance to personally connect with the historic site.
Is a Hoover Dam Day Trip From Las Vegas Worth the Trek?
Absolutely: A trip to Hoover Dam from Las Vegas is one of the best day-trip excursions you’ll find in southern Nevada. This impressive site offers something for everyone in the group, whether they’re engineering enthusiasts, history buffs, Art Deco fans, or photographers looking for a heart-racing vantage. Best of all, the dam is minutes from other popular attractions, including the Colorado River, Lake Mead, and the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.
How Far is Hoover Dam From Las Vegas?
Hoover Dam is located in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River in Nevada’s southern corner. The dam is only 36 miles from Las Vegas, which works out to a nice and easy 40- to 45-minute drive (give or take, depending on traffic and weather conditions).
Getting to Hoover Dam From Las Vegas
If you’re interested in a Hoover Dam day trip, we have great news: Whether you’re behind the wheel, relaxing on a bus, or arriving via less traditional means, you’ll find arranging the visit to be a seamless experience. That said, let’s look at the variety of ways visitors can make the trek.
Make sure you have a confirmed transportation plan for getting to and from Hoover Dam. Rideshare and taxi companies may be willing to drop you off at the landmark, but it’s much harder to secure a ride back to Las Vegas or Boulder City without prior arrangement.
Drive Yourself: This is the best option for independent travelers who want to explore at their own pace. Arrive via Interstate 11 and U.S. Route 93 and park your vehicle at the on-site garage. Note that all vehicles must stop at a security checkpoint. Click here for more information on self-guided arrival and parking.
Guided Tour: If you’re looking for expert guides and an organized itinerary, consider arranging transportation via a guided tour. This option offers convenience alongside entertaining commentary and stops at other southern Nevada attractions.
Bus Tour: You’ll find many bus companies offering transportation to the dam—often including hotel pick up. While these are typically direct connections (i.e., no additional stops), they’ll do all the thinking for you, including worrying about parking.
Specialty Travel: Believe it or not, you have options for visiting the dam that don’t include wheels. Adventure seekers can marvel at the dam from the river itself with rafting and kayaking tours. And if you’re looking for a bird’s-eye view, don’t hesitate to arrange a helicopter tour. You can even arrive via hike—just make sure you’re prepared for the extreme environment.
What to Do and See at Hoover Dam
Between the visitor center, memorial bridge, bronze sculptures, and guided tours, you’ll want to set aside plenty of time to fully take in everything.
Drive or Walk Across Hoover Dam
Although the top of Hoover Dam is no longer open for thru-traffic, visitors can still make a loop on foot or by car. Start on the Nevada side, walk or drive across the top of the dam, then turn around and return to where you began. All vehicles must go through a security checkpoint before crossing Hoover Dam.
Walk the Mike O’ Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge
One of the most popular ways to see Hoover Dam is from this famous bi-state bridge, which rises nearly 900 feet above the Colorado River and spans 1,060 feet from one side of the dam to the other.
Visit the Winged Figures of the Republic
Art Deco fans, rejoice! These 30-foot bronze statues welcome visitors to Hoover Dam. Don’t miss the chance to rub the toes of the sculptures—many say it brings good luck.
Tour the Hoover Dam Visitor Center
A must-see for any visit, the visitor center is where visitors head to purchase their tour tickets. However, the site is an attraction in its own right, housing exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of the dam’s construction and purpose—there’s even a rooftop observation deck. Visitor center admission is $15 (free for children 3 and under), but visitors purchasing Hoover Dam tour tickets enjoy complimentary access.
Travel Nevada Pro Tip
Hoover Dam Visitor Center and Hoover Dam’s website are the only authorized ticket sellers for Hoover Dam tours.
Stops Between Las Vegas and Hoover Dam
If you’re wondering whether there’s anything to do between Las Vegas and Hoover Dam, the answer is a resounding yes. Not only will visitors find one of the most charming historic small towns in the state, the surrounding area also boasts incredible opportunities for outdoor adventure at the largest reservoir in the country. Translation: You’ll have no problem turning a short Hoover Dam day trip into a full southern Nevada experience.
Boulder City
When you visit Hoover Dam from Vegas, plan a pit stop in the adventure-packed town of Boulder City. The Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum features fascinating dam history, while the Nevada State Railroad Museum offers train rides and larger-than-life exhibits. Dining, shopping, and outdoor recreation await when you decide to stay the night.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
The spectacular Lake Mead National Recreation Area features more than 750 miles of shoreline for fun along deep canyons, steep cliffs, colorful rock formations, and dry washes. Kayaking, rafting, boating, swimming, and hiking are all great recreation options here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time should I spend at Hoover Dam?
Depending on what you want to do, you can spend an hour or a full day at Hoover Dam, but many visitors find that around 3 hours is perfect to see everything. Note that if you want to join a guided tour, you might want to show up early as tickets are first come, first served.
Is parking available at Hoover Dam?
Yes, parking is available on site. Hoover Dam’s parking garage is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., and the parking fee is $10 per vehicle.
